Friday, May 29, 2015

To Market, To Market All Around the Valley

"Sex is good, but not as good as fresh, sweet corn"Garrison Keillor

Now that we have your attention, just a note to let you know where our members will be this weekend. Most of the wonderful Farmers' Markets of the valley have opened and are in full swing again, so you will soon have the opportunity to test Mr. Keillor's quote.

Gwen's shop is not just about soap. She hand crafts a variety of all-natural products to nourish your skin after a hard day of gardening, working or playing outdoors. Her products are not just for the ladies. Guys will find some luscious skin-care products as well.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Well it feels like we skipped right over spring and went into summer, but still I have some great new members to show you now that it's just getting hot. There were so many great shops this time around, I had to split it up into two parts, so keep an eye out for the next installment! As always, please stop by our awesome new members' shops, say hello, and maybe pickup something great to treat yourself - or someone else - while you're at it.

First off is Right Hemisphere by Patrice, who does her work in Peekskill, New York. Most of her creations are unique and fun soft creations like pillows and super cool tooth fairy pillows, but she has some cards and wood-burned door pulls, too. You should really check out the tooth fairy pillows. They're awesome! Happy to have you on the team.

Silhouettes by Elle does her creating in Croton-on-Hudson in NY. Her shop is full of awesome hand-cut silhouette artworks, many of which are custom made to be whoever it is you want silhouetted, including pets, kids, and wedding memories! I'm a huge fan of silhouettes, especially on jewelry, and look! She has those too! I'm a fan, glad to have you.

If I said I was a fan of silhouettes, I'm a super fan of tea! And if you're the same check out BeauTeaStudio run by Jules and Olya in Montgomery, NY. Their shop is full of delicious looking teas along with tea goods like infusers, tea cups, and bath and body products. Earl Grey lip-balm anyone? Welcome to the team!

Meghann Reimondo of MirasNaturals mixes up her creations in Woodstock, NY. She fills her shop with wonderful bath, body, and home goods many of which are made of bee products! She even has some unique goods like her sanitizing spray which comes in a bottle with a bee on it that I just love, and even deodorant. I wish I could smell her home after she's done creating. Hope you like it here!

pve design does their art in Ardsley, NY. This shop is full of lovely watercolor and ink illustrations both as originals and prints. You can also get custom pieces made of your home or business. I personally love working in watercolors, and these ones have some great colors and styles that I just adore! I wish I had a house to get an illustration of. Thanks for joining us.

There's more where that came from! Check back later to see 5 more new member shops that also have wonderful creations of their own. I can't wait to share them with you.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Why not head North this weekend?

Not fond of crowds? According to census reports, Phoenicia, N.Y., a quaint village in the beautiful Catskills, has a population of 309, but there's lots to explore. If bucolic country living is your fancy, take a leisurely drive to the Phoenicia Flea on May 23 /24, from 11 - 7, and introduce yourself to Christina, fromHudson Naturals, All Natural Skin Care. Your skin will love you for it.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

I have been busy in my studio developing, printing and making my new fabric baby book 'A Walk in Woodstock'. To mark its launch I thought an actual walk in Woodstock would be in order on this beautiful spring day.

Woodstock has many facets to which I pay homage in my book including its musical heritage, the famous Sunday drum circles, the Woodstock Windchimes and the peace movement. But in recent times many wonderful new stores and cafes have opened to appeal to visitors and locals alike.

A Walk in Woodstock

New eatery Shindig is situated right in the heart of the village and offers 'an open door, a warm seat, and a much needed sip and nibble'. Organic, local and seasonal ingredients are lovingly prepared by Chef Page Moll into heartwarming comfort food just like your Mom used to make.

Shindig

Amongst the exciting new stores is a little gem called 'Shop little House'. Owner JoJo Ans has a wonderful eye for combining fine vintage with modern Americana with artisan made gifts and homewares including those of our own HVEtsy team member Hudson Naturals.

Shakespeare's words celebrating Love and the month of May are the perfect theme for this week's post. Spring is here, the world has again turned green and it's time to visit member Dara of DaraGallery at the MayFaire on the Green in Holland Patent, N.Y. on Saturday and Sunday May 16/17. Dara will be bringing her beautiful, handmade masks to the Faire. Each one is handcrafted and exquisitely decorated, plus they are available for Lords and Ladies alike.www.mayfaireonthegreen.com

Blue and Silver Brocade "couples" masks

For something completely different, yet equally joyful and full of love, why not find Joann of Lollypups Designer Petwear at opening day of the Chappaqua Flea this Saturday May 16. Choose the perfect ensemble for your pooch from her selection of stylish, whimsical, harnesses, coats and costumes for your best friend. www.chappaquaflea.com

Patches. Harness, vest and matching leash

Spring Song harness vest, and leash

Rounding out our Spring Weekend tour, you will find Gwen, soap artisan and shopkeeper of Beyond the Picket Fence, back at the Beacon Farmer's Market Sunday May 17, from 10-3. Stop by and treat yourself to some of her handcrafted bath and body products including soaps made with local craft beers. www.beaconfarmersmarket.org

Friday, May 8, 2015

Outdoor Shows Return as Spring Arrives

Why not treat Mom on her special day?

Spring has finally bloomed across our beautiful Hudson Valley and outdoor markets and shows are popping up again like fields of flowers. Kathryn of Huzzah! Unique Handmade Wearables will be at opening day of The Makers' Market on the Green in beautiful downtown Warwick N.Y. Sunday, May 10th from 9Am-3PM.

This intimate, outdoor market is right in the heart of the village is within easy strolling distance to restaurants, shops and the Farmers' Market.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

The Fishkill Business Association is back with it's annual Fine Art and Craft Fair. This year, the fair is moving back to MAIN STREET in Fishkill. The street will be closed off and vendors will line the street with their beautiful work.